Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Original Title

Nuovo Cinema Paradiso

Genre

Drama

Director

Giuseppe Tornatore

Country

Italy | France

Cast

Philippe Noiret, Salvatore Cascio, Marco Leonardi, Jacques Perrin, Antonella Attili, Enzo Cannavale, Isa Danieli, Pupella Maggio, Agnese Nano, Leopoldo Trieste, Nino Terzo, Giovanni Giancono

Plot

After learning that Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) has died, famous filmmaker Salvatore 'Totò' Di Vita (Jacques Perrin) recalls his childhood at the Cinema Paradiso where Alfredo, the projectionist, first brought about his love of films.

Opinion

Cinema Paradiso is an outstanding film about friendship, made with love and appreciation for the filming art. Giuseppe Tornatore makes a tribute to a cinema capable not only of filling the seats, but also of enriching people's lives - the love story between the two viewers is a proof of that -, and so passionate to give birth to a fantastic friendship between an old projectionist and a little boy. Tornatore also succeeds, in an extraordinary way, at balancing laughters and emotions.
The real leading character is neither Totò nor Alfredo, but the Cinema itself, and at the end a part of ourselves leaves with it.
The sublime music, by Ennio Morricone, contributes in making this beautiful piece of cinema.
The acting is great. Salvatore Cascio is flawless as child Totò. Philippe Noiret is marvelous as projectionist Alfredo.

Quotes

Alfredo: Living here day by day, you think it's the center of the world. You believe nothing will ever change. Then you leave: a year, two years. When you come back, everything's changed. The thread's broken. What you came to find isn't there. What was yours is gone. You have to go away for a long time... many years... before you can come back and find your people. The land where you were born. But now, no. It's not possible. Right now you're blinder than I am.
Salvatore: Who said that? Gary Cooper? James Stewart? Henry Fonda? Eh?
Alfredo: No, Totò. Nobody said it. This time it's all me. Life isn't like in the movies. Life... is much harder.

Rating

9.5/10